Taxicab drivers lobby for fare increase

Check your wallet before you hail a cab. Amarillo taxicab drivers are petitioning the city to increase rates.

Commissioners approved on first reading a measure to increase cab fares, which haven't risen since 2004.

Mike Yazbek, owner of Yellow Cab , started the push for increased fares because of escalating fuel costs and the increase in minimum wage.

Commissioners approved raising the flat rate, the cost you get as soon as you sit down, from $2 to $3 , and every additional one-fifth of a mile will cost an additional 35 cents, up from 30 cents . Commissioners also attached a one-mile minimum cost. As a result, a one-mile ride will cost $4.75 instead of $3.50 if the proposal wins final approval.

Also a minimum fare for trips to or from Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport was tentatively set at $10.

But the fare increase could save some travelers as certain extras are being cut out.

There would no longer be a 50- cent charge for each additional passenger. The $1 per piece of luggage fee also would be dropped.

Increased fares don't have all the cabbies celebrating.

Robert Noonan, owner of AA Royal Cab, said he would rather see a fuel surcharge than increased fares. Noonan was particularly incensed about the special fees being dropped.

Several cab drivers told commissioners customers became irate when asked to pay additional fees that don't appear on the meter.

"In 15 years I've never had a fight with anyone about extras," Noonan said.

Yazbek said the increased fares will help a little in getting cab drivers a living wage.

"This is where we got spanked when minimum wage went up and gas went up," Yazbek said.

A cab driver working a 12-hour shift will typically take home about $150 , he said. When you take out the cost of the vehicle, usually about $50 , and then the cost of gasoline, Yazbek said most take home about $50 .

That is about $4.16 an hour.

"We have to ensure our drivers are making a living wage," he said.

Commissioners will have a second reading on the proposed fare change next week.

The rate change would take effect immediately upon second approval, said City Attorney Marcus Norris.

Taxicabs can offer lower rates, but the city sets the maximum amount a driver can charge.